House Committee Hears From NAILTA on HR 3211

Last week, the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) held a hearing entitled, “How Prospective and Current Homeowners Will Be Harmed by the Qualified Mortgage Rule.”

Testifying for banks and credit unions were representatives of the lending industry who gave information concerning the impacts the new rule would allegedly have on their affiliated title insurance operations, among other issues. The most notable of those testifying was Quicken Loans CEO, Bill Emerson, who defended his company’s position that affiliate title operations are necessary to permit Quicken Loans to continue lending to low and moderate income Americans. There were no title insurance industry experts in attendance at the hearing and none were invited by the committee to talk on the issues relative to affiliate title providers.

Despite the fact that no one from the title insurance industry was invited to attend or testify, the remaining witnesses gave numerous anecdotal examples of how affiliated title providers are “cheaper” than independent title providers, more “efficient” than independent title providers and “competing on the same playing field” as independent title providers. The members generally accepted the testimony of the witnesses as professional guidance on the values of title insurance.

NAILTA did manage to submit written testimony in the form of the enclosed and was also mentioned by Representative Keith Ellison (D-MN) during this exchange with Quicken Loans CEO Bill Emerson (click here):

NAILTA continues to work with Congress to increase the role of independent land title agents in Washington DC. Those efforts are assisted by our members, like you, who support us through membership and through our political action committee. As you can see, we are making a difference, but we need more help!

NAILTA is asking every member who can donate to the NAILTA PAC to do so today in whatever amount you can provide. We are hoping all of you can donate at least $100.00 or more. NAILTA’s PAC creates resources for us to target members of Congress who are interested in helping to address competition issues in the title insurance industry and give consumers the adequate protection they need from unnecessary kickback and referral schemes perpetrated by controlled business arrangements and their supporters.

To donate to NAILTA’s PAC and to make your voice heard, please send a check made payable to “NAILTA PAC” to the following:

NAILTA PAC

203 South Pruett Street, Paragould, AR 72450

Attn: NAILTA PAC Treasurer

In order to donate to NAILTA’s PAC you must be a member. Additionally, please make sure to provide your name and business address for our FEC filing records. Individuals may donate up to $5,000.00 per year to the NAILTA PAC. Please consult the Federal Elections Commission website for more information (www.fec.gov).